Over a decade has passed since the suspected crime was alleged to have occurred, and Ruth Lawrence, a 42-year-old woman from Clontarf in Dublin, still awaits court proceedings regarding her accusation of killing two close friends. After being found wrapped in plastic on Inchicup Island, near the Meath-Cavan boundary bordering Lough Sheelin, Anthony Keegan (33) and Eoin O’Connor (32) were identified.
Previously, a hearing had been slated for October 7th by Mr Justice David Keane, with an estimated duration of three weeks, yet progress has been hindered. Last year, when the trail was to begin on the agreed-upon date, it was reported that Ms Lawrence’s legal team had not yet been afforded complete disclosure.
The state of things during the Central Criminal Court on Tuesday morning remained unchanged, as confirmed by Michael O’Higgins SC, acting representative for the Director of Public Prosecutions. Lawyer James Dwyer SC stated that “a number of matters outstanding,” was causing further uncertainty about when the proceedings will finally commence. As a result, Ms Justice O’Connor postponed the case until November 21st.
In May 2023, an indictment was filed against Ms Lawrence for the twin murders, alleged to have occurred somewhere between April 22nd and May 26th, 2014. The men’s bodies were discovered following a tip-off from a local fisherman who reported an unusual odour emanating from the small island.
Their bond was remembered during their June 2014 memorial service, with attendees acknowledging the pair as being ‘inseparable’ companions.